Prentice "Sean" Delaney, who is credited with signing rock band KISS to their first recording contract and shaping their unique stage presence, has died. He was 58.
Delaney, a songwriter and producer, died Sunday of a stroke in Orem.
"Sean Delaney was there at the beginning with us. He believed when few others did. He was a pivotal figure in KISS' formation and we miss him," said Gene Simmons, the band's lead singer.
He was partially responsible for signing KISS to their first six-month contract with business partner Bill Aucoin. Delaney was KISS's first road manager and has often been called the band's fifth member.
"He was responsible for helping to choreograph the band's legendary stage show, lending his unique creative vision in the development of the four larger than life characters of KISS," said a release from Kayos Productions, which represents KISS member Ace Frehley.
Delaney also co-wrote a number of KISS songs including "Rocket Ride," "All American Man" and "Living In Sin."
He produced Gene Simmons' platinum solo album and co-wrote several songs for Peter Criss' solo album. Delaney released his own solo album, "Highway," in 1979 on Casablanca Records.
Delaney was born in Tempe, Ariz., and attended high school in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He joined the Army serving in the 101st Airborne before following his love of music to New York, said DeDe Peterson, his niece.
"Sean was a fabulous person and entertainer," Peterson said.
He is survived by Peterson, his brother Leon Delaney, and nephews John Nichols and Rusel Delaney. He was preceded in death by his sister Dorre Delaney Nichols and his parents Dorothy and Prentice Delaney.
Funeral services will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Provo on Saturday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Orem City Cemetery.